A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 309

309. The Feast at Yewon (2)

The children and the Bukhae Twelve Stars were captivated by everything they saw. The buildings of Hangzhou, the bustling night market streets overflowing with food, and the scenic cruise ships gliding across West Lake—all were sources of endless fascination.

However, there was one notable exception.

“Oh, the white stuff is paper…”

A boy mumbled, his expression blank. Beside him, a girl chirped,

“There’s lots of yellow paper too.”

“We saw bamboo earlier.”

“And stones over there!”

When the Bukhae Twelve Stars chimed in, the children’s focus quickly shifted. Son Bin interjected smoothly,

“Now then, shouldn’t we take a closer look at this calligraphy? Bukhae friends, please observe carefully. What are your thoughts?”

Son Bin gestured towards a truly remarkable piece—a masterpiece of calligraphy.

You wouldn’t find such a work displayed anywhere else but here, at the renowned ‘West Lake Stationery (西湖文房)’ in Hangzhou.

Son Bin, brimming with anticipation, looked at the children and the Bukhae Twelve Stars, but his enthusiasm was met with silence in the hushed atmosphere.

“Is this a letter or a picture?”

A girl with braided pigtails asked. Soso piped up from the side,

“It’s a letter. Cursive script? Or perhaps semi-cursive?”

“It’s cursive script,” Hodu declared, eager to impress. But Hodu couldn’t decipher the characters either; she merely recognized the general appearance of cursive script.

Since even the calligrapher themselves sometimes struggle to read cursive script, it’s no wonder it resembled a picture to the children.

Son Bin sighed. Relenting, he abandoned his hopes of hearing their insights and began to explain.

“Now, look closely. The most striking aspect of this writing is its bold omission…”

Son Bin paused, noticing the glazed-over eyes of the children and the Bukhae Twelve Stars.

“…Perhaps I should revisit this topic later, when you’ve developed an interest in calligraphy?”

“Yes!” the children and the Bukhae Twelve Stars exclaimed, as if they’d been holding their breath. Son Bin offered an awkward smile.

“Wow, there’s something even cooler over there!”

“Look at that!”

“Oh my, what is this brush? The bristles are so incredibly soft!”

Son Bin sighed, watching them flit away, their attention already snagged by other curiosities.

But reflecting on it, Son Bin himself hadn’t been interested in calligraphy at their age. Eventually, when the time was right, their interest would blossom naturally.

“Don’t touch anything. Understand?”

Hyeokryun Sehwa cautioned the children as they scattered throughout West Lake Stationery. One of the Bukhae Twelve Stars, who had been reaching for a brush, flinched and withdrew his hand.

“Yes!”

The children and the Bukhae Twelve Stars chorused. West Lake Stationery was a purveyor of fine paper, brushes, inksticks, and inkstones, but also a gallery showcasing and selling calligraphic works.

Normally, it was a rather exclusive and venerable establishment where even scholars hesitated to enter freely, let alone children. No Gun, Jang Kang Eo Wung, and Shinui were also intrigued, examining various items.

“You can touch things,” Wanju Hwaweol said with a gentle smile.

“Because I intend to buy everything.”

Son Bin gave an awkward smile. Hwaweol’s words weren’t exactly conducive to education, but he couldn’t object. He owed their visit entirely to Hwaweol.

At Son Bin’s suggestion of showing the children calligraphy, Hwaweol had boldly rented out the entire West Lake Stationery. Thanks to her, the children could freely explore the precious artifacts and wander through the spacious store.

“Excuse me, but wouldn’t this be a disturbance to other patrons?”

Son Bin asked Hwaweol, a worried frown creasing his brow.

“It’s not as if I’ve rented it for the entire day. The owner was actually anticipating my arrival. I’m something of a significant patron [a valued customer] in this area.”

Hwaweol, exaggerating slightly, soon smiled.

“It’s nothing, really.”

Son Bin decided to trust Hwaweol’s assurance. Had there been other guests, the children would undoubtedly have been a nuisance. But they wouldn’t have been allowed entry in the first place.

Son Bin sighed again, watching the children and the Bukhae Twelve Stars roam with sparkling eyes. He regretted not being able to properly explain the calligraphy earlier.

“Children don’t always absorb what a teacher tries to impart. They’re easily distracted…”

“But they still learn valuable lessons.”

Turning, Son Bin saw Wanju Hwaweol smiling.

“It’s the teacher’s attitude and sincerity towards the children that truly matters.”

Wanju Hwaweol, herself an instructor of artists, offered words that Son Bin couldn’t help but agree with, though they made him slightly uncomfortable.

“That’s quite a responsibility to bear.”

Still, Son Bin’s expression as he watched the children was one of pure joy.

“Ah, and…”

Hwaweol suddenly turned to Son Bin and inquired,

“The Odae Merchant Group is seeking information regarding the likelihood of an actual conflict erupting on the northern border.”

If a dispute were to break out, trade routes would be disrupted. For the Odae Merchant Group, which currently reaped enormous profits from Bukhae trade, such a scenario would be disastrous.

“I consulted the Little Palace Master [Sa Suyeon], and she deferred to Young Master Son’s judgment.”

The Little Palace Master, Sa Suyeon, was wandering through the stationery store with the children, her eyes wide with curiosity as she examined the various objects. Just looking at her brought a smile to Son Bin’s face.

“Do you admire her that much?”

“Ahem.”

At Hwaweol’s teasing, Son Bin cleared his throat and said,

“Even if I assure them that there’s no cause for concern, they won’t simply accept my word, will they?”

Hwaweol, well-acquainted with the Odae Merchant Group’s cautious nature, chuckled.

“Of course not. What they desire is a minimal safety net.”

“Then convey this message: Should a conflict arise, they will be alerted to the situation even before the imperial family.”

Hwaweol’s eyes gleamed.

In the event of a dispute, the value of certain commodities would fluctuate dramatically. Receiving advance notice, even by a single day, could translate into enormous profits or averted losses for the Odae Merchant Group.

Given the sheer scale of the Odae Merchant Group’s daily transactions, the implications were significant. This was the true meaning of knowing before others.

“I hadn’t realized Young Master Son possessed such business acumen (商才),” Wanju Hwaweol remarked with a knowing smile.

“I can’t simply bestow this level of assurance upon the Odae Merchant Group without due consideration, can I?”

“Oh, but…”

Son Bin looked slightly embarrassed.

“It’s because such a conflict is unlikely to occur anyway…”

“Regardless, Young Master Son’s words carry considerable weight and are not easily obtained.”

“…Then I’ll entrust that matter entirely to Wanju.”

Wanju Hwaweol inclined her head slightly in acknowledgment. She was the Wanju of Yewon and the custodian of assets entrusted by foreign dignitaries.

The gifts that the Odae Merchant Group sent to the Little Palace Master of Bukhae were also entrusted to her care. Of course, there were also gifts for Son Bin and No Gun. No Gun grumbled, saying, ‘These days, Yewon seems to be involved in everything.’

“Ah, there’s something I wanted to ask,” Son Bin said, as if suddenly remembering. Wanju Hwaweol turned her attention to him. Son Bin asked with a serious expression,

“Regarding the imperial family…”

“Teacher!”

Soso suddenly embraced him from behind, her small arms encircling Son Bin’s waist.

“There’s really funny food over there! It looks like a monkey… Hehehe. Come and see! Hurry!”

“Okay,” Son Bin replied to Soso, then bowed slightly to Hwaweol, seeking her understanding.

Hwaweol readily accepted his apology. Son Bin was led away by Soso, who clutched his hand.

Hwaweol smiled softly as she watched them go.

Soso’s face, as she looked up at Son Bin and spoke excitedly, and Son Bin’s expression as he gazed at Soso, radiated pure happiness.

*

*

*

In the darkness of night, beautiful music filled the backyard of the detached residence (別채), illuminated by colorful lanterns.

The three young ladies seated in the center of the pavilion wove a delicate, sometimes passionate melody with two zithers (張) and one large Seul (瑟) [a large, long zither-like instrument].

Ddalang, Ddalang [onomatopoeia for the sound of the zither].

Each time their white hands danced across the strings, music washed over the audience like waves.

The sight of them so engrossed in their performance was so captivating (흡입력) that even the children, who knew nothing of music, and the Bukhae Twelve Stars, who were completely unfamiliar with such artistry, were unable to look away.

Charrang, Changchang, Chaaang― [onomatopoeia for the sound of the instruments].

The performance concluded with a magnificent harmony. The artists closed their eyes, savoring the lingering resonance. As they opened their eyes and lowered their hands, a chorus of praise erupted from the audience.

“Wow!”

“Awesome!”

“Amazing!”

Everyone, young and old, cheered. The loudest voices, of course, belonged to the children and the Bukhae Twelve Stars.

The three young ladies, their faces flushed with joy, couldn’t conceal their happiness. Their eyes naturally sought out Wanju Hwaweol. She, who had listened to the performance alongside Son Bin and his group, rose from her seat.

“Sohong, Chaeok, Hwarin.”

At Hwaweol’s words, the children’s voices quickly quieted. The young ladies named Sohong, Chaeok, and Hwarin looked at Hwaweol with nervous expressions. The children also turned their attention to Hwaweol, listening intently.

“It was a fine performance.”

The three young ladies’ faces lit up at the brief praise. Wanju Hwaweol smiled and continued,

“We recognize the three of you as official artists of Yewon, effective today. Congratulations.”

Hwaweol used formal language, a clear departure from her usual strict instruction.

“Kyaa! We did it!”

“Good job, you guys! I knew you’d succeed! Heung [sound of pride].”

“Sniff, sniff.”

Overwhelmed with emotion, the three young ladies embraced, laughing and crying. Hwaweol, who might have offered further words of guidance on another occasion, remained silent today.

“T, thank you. Young Master Son.”

Chaeok, who was sobbing, suddenly expressed her gratitude to Son Bin. She, who played the Seul (瑟) with its many strings, had previously performed together (합주) with Son Bin.

“What did I do? I didn’t do anything…”

Son Bin waved his hand dismissively. In truth, the evaluation rested solely with Wanju Hwaweol, so there was no reason for Son Bin to receive thanks. However, Chaeok wiped away her tears and said,

“After playing together that day, I worked incredibly hard. Hwarin wouldn’t even let me touch the zither that Young Master Son used that day…”

“Hey, hey!”

The artist named Hwarin, who had been crying silently, tried to stop Chaeok, but it was too late. She had lent her zither to Son Bin before, and at the time, she had lamented that her heart would wear out.

“T, thank you. Young Master Son.”

Sohong, who played the zither and had tears in her eyes, also thanked Son Bin. Then, she hesitated slightly and bowed to No Gun as well.

“To No Gun too.”

No Gun smirked. Sohong, who had been provoked by No Gun at that time, had engaged in a zither showdown with Son Bin.

The result was their utter defeat, but that was no longer important. Son Bin’s zither playing had ignited the soul of the artist within them.

“Good job,” Hwaweol said, restoring order to the slightly overexcited atmosphere (정리).

“And from now on, remember to be more mindful of your manners, no matter how happy you are. Understood?”

The three women lowered their heads and answered ‘yes’ in unison, their voices subdued. Then, they waved to the children and descended from the pavilion.

The children waved back, creating a scene reminiscent of a blooming flower garden.

“Now, shall we enjoy a special performance next?” Hwaweol asked the children. Their eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Of course, the children didn’t fully comprehend the intricacies of the music. But the powerful melodies that resonated before them, and the palpable energy (현장감) that conveyed even the performers’ perspiration, made their hearts pound (두근두근).

Witnessing such a live performance was truly extraordinary for the children—a rare and precious opportunity that even prominent figures seldom experienced.

“Although they haven’t been formally recognized as artists yet, this will be a very good experience for you all.”

Hwaweol smiled slightly, looking at the children and Son Bin’s group. Son Bin wore a puzzled expression.

‘A special performance, I wonder what it is?’

Son Bin’s curiosity was soon resolved. A small boy came up to the space where the three artists had stepped down, carrying a black Guqin [a Chinese zither-like instrument] and a stand.

A neatly dressed boy with sparkling eyes. That boy was none other than Kang Min.

“Ah, it’s Min!”

Seorin exclaimed in surprise and delight. Son Bin also recognized Kang Min and looked pleased, but Kang Min pretended not to know them, walked in with a serious expression, and then came out holding someone’s hand.

A little girl dressed prettily. She was Kang Min’s older sister, and Son Bin’s Guqin teacher, the blind Kang Rin.

Son Bin, as well as the others, recognized her and greeted her with pleased expressions.

The children, on the other hand, couldn’t take their eyes off Kang Rin for a different reason. As soon as a child of their age appeared, their curiosity was piqued. Moreover, Kang Rin’s closed eyes were also unusual.

“She can’t see,” one of the children whispered quietly. The children stared at Kang Rin, holding their breath.

*Rustle.*

Kang Rin quietly sat in front of the Guqin. Whether she knew she was the center of attention or not, Kang Rin quietly touched the strings and then paused for a moment.

And the moment her hand moved, the black Guqin began to sing.

*Ttarang.*

It was a melody that felt somewhat lonely and melancholic. It was completely different from the ensemble performance just now, but the melody was imbued with a sincerity that captivated the listener’s heart.

*Ttararang, ttarararang.*

The melody became cheerful and showed off brilliant harmonies. And when it returned to the initial melody, the Guqin’s song was no longer lonely or melancholic.

*Ttarang.*

The small sound slowly faded away, and the performance ended. Kang Rin, who had been still for a moment, lowered her hands and stood up.

*Rustle.*

Kang Rin quietly bowed her head. And then, the children and the Bukhae Twelve [referring to a group of people], who had awakened from their reverie, burst into cheers.

“Waaah!”

“Kyaa! So cool!”

Kang Rin flinched at the sudden cheers. However, the children’s excited shouts did not stop.

“Amazing, amazing, amazing!”

The children kept shouting the same words, unable to find suitable words to express themselves.

“That was a good performance, Rin,” Hwaweol said. As the children’s cheers subsided, the girl, Kang Rin, bowed her head in gratitude.

“Um…”

Rin opened her mouth, hesitating slightly. The children listened intently to her voice.

“Where is Young Master Son?”

“I am here,” Son Bin said.

The girl Rin is also Son Bin’s Guqin teacher. Son Bin tried to respectfully call her ‘Teacher,’ but Kang Rin was too embarrassed, so they eventually compromised on ‘Miss Rin.’

That’s why Son Bin is using honorifics to her now. Kang Rin’s expression brightened at Son Bin’s voice. She asked Son Bin.

“H-How was it?”

Kang Rin was clutching her hands tightly, looking nervous. Son Bin did not miss the fact that her slender fingers were full of scars. She was literally training every day until her hands bled.

“Miss Rin’s performance is…”

Originally, it is customary to package such impressions as splendidly as possible by mobilizing scholarly rhetoric. And the longer, the better.

However, looking at Rin, Son Bin realized that what she wanted was not such a review.

“Still beautiful. And the melody seeps deep into my heart. It was a really good performance.”

A smile spread across Rin’s face. Son Bin, seeing that his choice was right, asked.

“Do you like the Guqin?”

The black Guqin that Rin had just played was the one Son Bin had left at Yewon as a gift.

Rin nodded, her cheeks slightly flushed.

“Yes. I really like it.”

“I’m glad,” Son Bin said. However, Hwaweol couldn’t hide her awkward smile.

That black Guqin is quite a masterpiece. It was one of the gifts from the Ohdae Merchant Group, so Son Bin just doesn’t know it well. There is no artist who wouldn’t like that Guqin.

Of course, Kang Rin’s skills were also sufficient to play that Guqin. If that weren’t the case, Wonju [Head of Yewon] herself wouldn’t have allowed it.

“Good job, Rin,” Hwaweol said to Rin.

“We’re about to have a meal, would you like to join us, Rin?”

In Yewon, artists must be respected. Even Wonju is no exception to the rule that artists must be respected.

So, Wonju Hwaweol was checking Rin’s intentions. And the answer was already as expected.

“Yes, gladly.”

In fact, Hwaweol’s suggestion was also very exceptional. However, Son Bin is in a position like Rin’s guardian, so it is not a big deviation from the norm.

“Then let’s be together.”

As soon as Hwaweol’s permission was given, her younger brother Kang Min ran to Seorin first.

“Seorin hyung [term used by younger males to address older brothers or close male friends]!”

“Min-ah!”

Kang Min and Seorin hugged each other like brothers who hadn’t seen each other in a long time. The children who saw the scene surrounded Kang Min and his sister Kang Rin with curious eyes.

Seorin worked hard to introduce the two siblings to the children. Kang Rin and Kang Min, surrounded by the children, didn’t look too bad either. Rather, they seemed happy to meet peers after only seeing adults in Yewon.

Son Bin, who was watching the scene with a happy expression, suddenly turned his head and looked at Grand Princess Gyeonghui next to him.

“How was it?”

Grand Princess Gyeonghui was sitting with a cold expression. The reason she was here was because Son Bin had said, ‘How about joining us?’

Since Hwangsan, Grand Princess Gyeonghui had followed Son Bin’s words without refusing even once. But everyone could tell that it wasn’t her true feelings.

“What kind of answer do you want?”

Grand Princess Gyeonghui said with a cold expression. She seemed to have built a wall around everyone. Cheongrang Sword Wi Gajin and the maid Hanga were no exception.

“Anything, I’ll answer whatever you want.”

It was clearly a provocation. Or a mockery. But Son Bin, rather than frowning at the words that would normally make people frown, asked seriously.

“Really?”

Grand Princess Gyeonghui’s eyes shook slightly. But she couldn’t take back the words she had already spoken.

“Yes.”

“Then…”

Son Bin looked straight at Grand Princess Gyeonghui and asked.

“Why did you say ‘there is no way to cancel it’?”

“What?”

That was a little different from what Grand Princess Gyeonghui meant. She said, ‘I will give you the answer you want,’ not ‘I will answer the question you want.’ But Son Bin didn’t care and continued.

“Your Highness did not reveal the secret of Hwatong and made an extreme choice. Even after that, you continued to provoke Lady Suyeon, saying ‘there is no way to cancel it.’ Is that just to give us a few days of pain?”

Grand Princess Gyeonghui said that there was no way to avoid the tragedy of Cheongwon. But the moment Son Bin’s party arrived in Cheongwon, her lies were revealed, and the curse-like venom lost its power.

Of course, those few days would be like hell, but there would be no ‘despair’ that she was talking about.

“Besides, Your Highness’s words solidified my suspicions. Of course, I had been thinking a little strangely even before that.”

Her firm declaration that ‘there is no way to cancel it’ provided Son Bin with a clue to refute her. Of course, it was true, but her method of thoroughly matching the front and back even with improvisation was not her style.

“You thought it was strange? What?”

Grand Princess Gyeonghui asked. In a way, it was the first time since Hwangsan that she had asked a question of her own will. Son Bin thought carefully and answered.

“It was a little strange to send a letter in advance to suppress the rebellion and have them wait for a signal. But I couldn’t refuse the order of the Jedokdongchang [Special Military Command]. So I could skip that.”

Son Bin said again.

“What I found strange was the part where Your Highness said, ‘I will trust you.’ Of course, it’s a happy thing to say, but I don’t think Your Highness would choose such a vague method.”

Son Bin bowed his head lightly with an apologetic expression. But Grand Princess Gyeonghui didn’t care.

“So I thought, isn’t this not about trusting, but about having no choice but to trust? In other words, I thought, ‘This may not be a meticulously prepared and planned event, but an improvisation.’ Of course, I was quite shaken when you talked about ‘him,’ though.”

Grand Princess Gyeonghui smiled bitterly. In the end, her last ‘gambit’ was being suspected from the beginning.

“And above all…”

Was there another foolish mistake of her own? Grand Princess Gyeonghui looked at Son Bin. Son Bin scratched his head slightly and said.

“I didn’t think Your Highness would take the lives of children hostage and threaten them. Ah, of course, it worked quite well for me, though.”

Grand Princess Gyeonghui turned her head without realizing it and gritted her teeth. Son Bin’s words reminded her of her ugliness once again.

“So I was curious.”

Son Bin’s voice came to her ears.

“Why did you say that? Why did you choose to be hated until the end?”

The reason why Grand Princess Gyeonghui remained was because there was no choice. Rather than being abandoned and dying, she was willing to risk her life and make a final bet.

But why did she provoke Sa Suyeon until the end and induce anger? Was it just to die by Sa Suyeon’s sword?

“It’s simple.”

Grand Princess Gyeonghui looked at Son Bin and said with a calm expression.

“That way, every time you think of me, you’ll grind your teeth. No matter how much time passes…”

She bit her lip and said.

“You won’t be able to forget me.”

Her voice was filled with raw emotion that could not be hidden.

Son Bin sighed softly. In the end, it was her, the last struggle of a woman who faced the fate of being abandoned and forgotten. A shabby and desperate, literally last struggle.

“I’m sorry. I…”

Son Bin tried to apologize. But the apology was not accepted.

*Rustle.*

Grand Princess Gyeonghui got up from her seat.

“I’m going back to my room. May I have permission?”

Reddened eyes, tightly closed lips. Son Bin had no choice but to nod.

*Step.*

Grand Princess Gyeonghui turned around as she was. The maid Hanga and Cheongrang Sword Wi Gajin silently followed her.

Son Bin couldn’t take his eyes off Grand Princess Gyeonghui’s back. The self-reproach that he had touched her sore spot did not leave him.

“You don’t have to pity her,” Wonju Hwaweol said quietly. When Son Bin turned his head, Hwaweol continued.

“Because it’s the result of her own choice.”

Son Bin sighed once again. Hwaweol’s words are correct. But he can’t help but feel sorry.

“So, what are you going to do about Your Highness?”

Hwaweol’s question was natural. And it was also what all the other members were curious about.

But Son Bin’s answer was a little different from everyone’s expectations.

“I have a favor to ask of Wonju.”

Son Bin said with a serious expression. Hwaweol’s expression became serious as well.

“Yes. Anything.”

Hwaweol answered before even hearing the content. Son Bin smiled awkwardly but continued with a serious expression.

“Is there a way to get into the Imperial Palace?”

Hwaweol’s eyes widened.

“The Imperial Palace?”

“Yes,” Son Bin said, nodding his head.

“Quietly and naturally, and without causing any trouble if possible.”

Hwaweol frowned without realizing it. But Son Bin’s expression was only serious.